Dianne J. Roush

Dianne Joyce (Washburn) Roush, of Lacey, Michigan, passed away at home on August 14, 2026, surrounded by family.

Dianne was born April 1, 1944, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to O.K. “Red” Washburn and Virginia (Hines) Washburn. She spent part of her childhood in the Fine Lake area, where she lived with her grandmother, before eventually settling in Lacey with her parents and siblings.

She attended Briggs School in Lacey, one of the last remaining one-room schoolhouses in the area. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1962.

On June 10, 1962, she married her childhood sweetheart, Jerry Roush, while he was on leave from the U.S. Navy. She then moved to Washington, D.C., while he completed his service in the Navy. While there, they welcomed their first daughter, Laurel.

When Jerry was discharged from the Navy, they returned to the Lacey area, where they welcomed their second daughter, Michelle.

Dianne was a devoted wife and mother. As a teenager, she cared for many of the neighborhood children, and she continued doing so after returning to the area. She was an active room mother at Pleasantview Elementary School and also tutored children in reading.

Dianne was a skilled seamstress and became a 4-H leader, teaching sewing to many young ladies in the neighborhood. She especially enjoyed making quilts and baby blankets for her family and her many nieces and nephews. She also donated baby blankets to the Charitable Union in Battle Creek.

Dianne also enjoyed traveling with her husband, her brother David and his wife, Betty, to whom she was very close and lovingly considered a sister. Their trips up north together were always a special highlight.

Dianne was a loving grandmother who always encouraged her grandson. As a band wife, she put up with loud music at all hours of the night. Even if she didn't always care for the noise.

Dianne was preceded in death by her parents, O.K. “Red” Washburn and Virginia (Hines) Washburn, and two brothers, Dennis and Dale.

Dianne is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jerry; daughters Laurel Roush and Michelle Nicolai; and grandson, Adam Roush. She is also survived by her brother, David (Betty) Washburn; her sister, Deborah Doolittle; and many nieces and nephews.

In honor of Dianne, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. There will be no visitation or funeral service. However, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.